DES MOINES, Iowa — A Black farmer from Iowa is looking to make history by connecting and uniting the state's farming families of color in a first-of-its-kind event.
On Saturday, December 16, the first ever Iowa Farmers of Color Conference will be held at Jasper Winery in Des Moines. The free event is meant to bring together the state's small population of farming families that are not white for networking and community opportunities.
The man behind the convention is Todd Western III. A sixth-generation Black Iowa farmer, Western attended a similar convention in South Carolina and lamented the lack of similar events in his home state.
Census data shows the country — and Iowa's — Black farming populations have shrunk over the last century. Now, Western says he only knows of nine such families throughout Iowa.
It's why he wants to bring everyone together.
"Farming is tough no matter what color you are," Western said. But he went on to explain that there's an added edge of difficulty for families of color.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 16. It is free to attend. The day will feature speakers, presentations and open discussions, culminating in a social gathering from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Western joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the event, as well as why it's so important to him, his family, and the greater farming community. You can watch the full interview in the above video.
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